The Australian Stem Cell Centre (ASCC) congratulates Stem Cells Australia, a consortium of Australia’s leading universities and research organisations headed by the University of Melbourne and led by Professor Martin Pera, who have today been announced as recipients of funding totalling $21 million from the Australian Research Council’s Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science.
The ASCC welcomes the announcement made today by the Minister for Innovation that Stem Cells Australia will receive $21 million for a period of up to seven years to continue stem cell research under the new Australian Research Council Special Research Initiative in Stem Cell Science (SRI) which commences in July 2011.
For the past nine years the ASCC has been the main dedicated funding body for stem cell research in Australia. In the 2009/10 financial year alone the Centre funded $11.1 million of stem cell research across Australia and subsidised a number of activities that support research including critical research infrastructure and public education and engagement programs. The ASCC was established in 2002 with total funding of around $100 million provided by the Australian Government. However, in June 2011 the ASCC’s funding comes to a close and the ASCC is not currently aware of any alternative funding that will be made available for the ASCC to continue its mission. Therefore, today’s announcement is particularly welcomed.
Chairman Professor Graham Macdonald said “It is rewarding that many of the superb collaborative research streams and the public engagement activities established by the ASCC will continue under the SRI program which will be ably led by Professor Martin Pera. The Australian Stem Cell Centre is proud to be leaving behind such a strong scientific legacy as well as a cadre of skilled, well trained research scientists and a well informed and supportive public.”
ASCC operations will continue until 30 June 2011 and during its remaining funding period it will continue to pursue strategies to position Australian stem cell research for excellence, sustainability and international competitiveness, to provide critical research infrastructure, support and training, as well as to enhance public understanding of stem cells and their potential.
For further information please contact:
Rebecca Skinner
Senior Manager – Communications and Networking
Australian Stem Cell Centre
Phone + 613 9271 1180
Mobile +61 (0)400 684993
Email
rebecca.skinner@stemcellcentre.edu.au
Download the full media release below.
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Future Funding for Australian Stem Cell Research (66529)
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